Friday, September 24, 2010

Dolphins claim tackle Patrick Brown off waivers from Jets

In what smells strongly like a strategic move in anticipation for their Sunday night game with the New York Jets, the Miami Dolphins have claimed second-year offensive tackle Patrick Brown off waivers from their hated rival.

Brown was waived by the Jets on Thursday, coincidentally to make room for former Dolphins third-round pick Patrick Turner, who was promoted from the practice squad for receiver depth in the wake of Braylon Edwards' DWI and possibly limited playing time.

Brown participating in training camp with the Panthers in 2009.

No corresponding roster move has been announced, but the Dolphins will need to clear a spot to make room for Brown get back down to 53 players on the active roster.

Background

An Illinois native, Brown started at left tackle as a true freshman for the UCF Knights and went on to start all 50 contests for the team over four seasons. He was a two-time All-Conference USA selection.

Despite his impressive collegiate résumé, Brown went undrafted in the 2009 NFL Draft and signed with the Panthers as a rookie free agent. He was waived by the team during final cuts on Sept. 5.

Brown was signed to the practice squad of the New England Patriots the following day, but was released on Sept. 24. He was signed to the Minnesota Vikings' practice squad five days later and remained there the rest of the 2009 season.

Inked to a future contract with the Vikings in 2010, Brown appeared in all four of Minnesota' preseason games, including a start at left tackle against the Broncos in the finale. However, he was once again waived during final cuts.

Brown was claimed off waivers by the Jets on Sept. 5 and spent the first two games of the regular season inactive. He was waived to make room for practice squad receiver Patrick Turner on Sept. 23.

Analysis

The addition of Brown gives the Dolphins 10 offensive lineman and six tackles on the active roster, although Pat McQuistan doubles as a guard and could even start there if John Jerry cannot go.

One has to suspect the Dolphins primarily claimed Brown to milk him for everything he's picked up on the Jets' scheme in the two weeks he spent in New York.

Brown's actually the second former Jet claimed by an opponent in the past two weeks. The Patriots claimed running back/wide receiver Danny Woodhead off waivers just a day before they played the Jets in Week Two.

It's hard to say what kind of advantage these things provide as the Jets certainly know everything Brown knows, but I suppose every little bit helps in competition.

I'm hesitant to even get into much detail on Brown's ability and projected place with the Dolphins, simply because it's entirely possible he's gone by next week after the team gets what they need from him.

Brown was a left tackle in college and has continued to work there some in the pros, but he's yet to see the field during the regular season and has limited upside at that position.

While he has the size for the job at 6-foot-5 and 310 pounds and is a technically-sound blocker, his athleticism is mediocre and he will probably never be able to handle the elite pass-rushers of the NFL.

If he ever works himself into a position of playing time in this league, it will probably come on the right side of the line or even inside at guard.

Assuming he sticks around long enough for the coaches to get a look at him in multiple practices, he certainly has enough ability to compete for a roster spot with the likes of Lydon Murtha and Jermey Parnell.

As always, check out the projected depth chart reflecting these transactions here.